Here are some beautiful issues from Cyprus and Taiwan. Cyprus post issued an aromatic stamp featuring oregano. Chunghwa Post issued a set of Greeting stamps.
Oregano
Oregano – or “rouvanos” – is a member of the Lamiaceae family. It is an aromatic bush or semi-bush growing up to 100cm tall with spade-shaped, succulent and thick hairy leaves.
It is a species native to Cyprus, restricted mainly to the Pafos forest area and thrives in rocky areas in various habitats, at an altitude between 200-100m. It is used extensively in cooking and is one of the most popular herbs in the Mediterranean cuisine. Oregano is effective against headaches and insomnia and acts as a cure for stomach ailments. It also has analgesic and sedative properties. Its essential oils are extracted and used in the perfumery and pharmaceutical industry.
Oregano can be used as an ornamental plant and provides ground cover in combination with other species. It is also used in rock gardens and pots. It thrives in well-drained soil and can be planted from seed.
New Greeting stamps from Taiwan
Chunghwa Post released a set of “Congratulations Postage Stamps” in 2012. Now it is following up with a second set of four stamps, each featuring one pair of tropical fish, swans, penguins or mandarin ducks. The stamps have round perforated centers with a predominately orange and yellow color scheme, with a red background that features the double-happiness character, which is commonly used in Chinese culture to celebrate marriage. The area surrounding the round center features a grid of double-happiness characters, which convey a sense of glad tidings. The designs follow:
1. Tropical Fish (NT$3.5): A pair of enraptured tropical fish is sealing their love with a kiss. The moving scene conveys the idea of “angelic lovers being lifted to the clouds.”
2. Swans (NT$3.5): The male swan wears a crown and the female swan a lace bridal veil. The scene demonstrates the idea of loving bonds that last “till death do them part.”
3. Penguins (NT$5): The male penguin wears a bowtie and dons a stovepipe hat and the female wears a lace bridal veil. The illustration symbolizes the idea of happiness and love everlasting.
4. Mandarin ducks (NT$5): The female duck bashfully turns her head to look at the male, symbolizing that they will be together through thick and thin over the journey of their lives.
Source : International Stamp News
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